Haven't used it yet. Been using Z-wave but let us know how it works.

Thinking about trying out some Insteon devices. Anyone have any experience with them. It looks like its backwards compatible with X10 which there are some cheap ones on sale.

The network IP based cameras are much easier to transmit video over the internet since they are already networked. If you use coax or cable based cameras, then make sure the software used to view the video can transmit video or images over the internet.

Any recommendation on what type of cameras to get. Should I get Internet network based or coax cable based?

If it was me I would be going with some thing like Control4, as my home automation system. But the 1st thing that everyone needs to do so that they don't limited them selfs on what they can and can not do with a system is to pre-wire for all options and add them over time to any project as your budget allows.

I'll second that the Vera was not difficult to connect. The software setup took a while though.

There's not much to the hardware setup of a Vera unit. It's mostly software which an electrician won't help. However, an electrician can help with installing Z-wave light switches, sensors, and thermostats.

Can a electrician hook up the vera controller? Not sure if I want to do that myself.

An electrician should be able to help you out with installing light switches or a thermostat. They are not familiar with home automation products though so you can either get a professionalism installer which would cost lots of money or go the do-it-yourself route. The only do-it-yourself home controller I would recommend is Mi Casa Verde's Vera. It works with common Z-wave devices and is not too difficult to setup. It also works with our AutoHTN app.

I'm new to home automation so not sure where to start. I would like to be able to control my thermostat and some lights away from home. The lights are in-wall light switches so I'm hesitant to change them myself since I have no idea how to. Same with the thermostat. Any idea on who to contact or any product recommendations?

Thanks, the GE Z-wave switches I'm looking at say "hard-wired incandescent, LED, xenon, halogen and fluorescent lighting" so I'm going to go with them.

There are specific switches for florescent light bulbs. They're typically the on/off relay kind. Take a look at the manufacturers instructions to see if they allow them.

I'm looking into buying some Z-wave light switches, but my bulbs are fluorescent. Just wanted to make sure I can still use them. What about the dimmer kind?